PhilHealth as indigent members, they cannot at all times avail discounts on medical fees as the insurance requires inpatient services or the person must be admitted in the hospital. There is a need to push for PWDs automatic membership under PhilHealth and to expand its services to include annual check-up and outpatient services such as x-ray and laboratory. “Pero ‘yong discount sa gamut, hindi pa namin na-avail iyon. Mahirap sa akin kasi ‘yong Philhealth pwede mong gamitin iyon, pero kung sa susunod na buwan na-admit ka ulit at parehong sakit, hindi na pwedeng gamitin ‘yong Philhealth card mo.” “We hope the government grants us same free lifetime health insurance as Senior Citizens. It should realize that like them, we are also prone to sickness. Many of the PWDs come from poor family.” The Philippine Social Security System (SSS) also includes persons with disabilities in its membership. However, persons with disabilities have little or no access to the benefits derived from SSS due to their inability to pay the prescribed monthly contributions as a result of pervasive poverty and lack of employment among persons with disabilities. The expansion of coverage of the SSS and identifying sources of funds to provide long-term protection to persons with disabilities are important needs. Lack of awareness on chronic illness and dismissive attitude of service providers Stereotype that disability is manifested only thru physical condition is widespread, resulting to discrimination of persons suffering from chronic illness. Because persons with chronic illness appear fit and well, they are denied with the public benefits that are entitled to them. “When we ride a bus, we are not given discount despite presenting our PWD ID. People do not understand chronic illness unlike the blind or crippled persons.” The need to monitor the implementation of benefits that are intended for PWDS remains important. PWDs also experience discrimination from doctors who do not honor discounts when PWDs avail only check-up procedure. PWDs are discouraged to avail government services as well due to unaccommodating or dismissive attitude of service providers towards PWDS. “I myself work in DSWD, and I often hear and see my colleagues asking PWDs - Why are you here again? It is you again. You are always asking.” The belief that disability, especially in the case of psoriasis and lupus, is contagious is still common. Many PWDS are forced to isolate themselves, refused to go to school and socialize due to the stigma and insult they received from public. PWDs are seen as people without use, waste of their time and resources. One parent who was doing a fund raising activity for the liver 16